Counterjihad

The Counterjihad Conference in Brussels…….

A lot has stranspired in the blogosphere over the recent Counterjihad conference that took place in the city of Brussels, Belgium. I can’t think of anything more divisive to the Counter-Jihad movement than to see many of the “big name anti-Islamism blogs” positioning themselves on either side of the debate, on whether or not it was wise to have allowed the Vlaams Belang and Swedish Democrats to participate in the conference. (I still feel that in the anti-jihad blogosphere, we’re all on the same side)

I was one of the bloggers from Scandinavia that was asked to participate, as well as present a report on the situation of Islamism in my own country of Finland. I was greatly honoured to be asked to be there and participate with “the many” who man the front lines that are set against the tidal wave of anti-democratic/anti-pluralistic lunacy that has been unleashed against the shores of Europe, and western civilization.

The dye has been cast and the lines have been drawn, perhaps it was inevitable. On the face of it, the concerns many have had in regards to the VB and SD parties, IMHO, were reasonable, they of course need/ed to be addressed. But some in the blogosphere have taken it upon themselves to be the vanguard of a special “ideological purity” which insists that “they alone know best”, and have taken measures to ensure that they will try to frustrate any of the fruits that might evolve from such a conference.

I came across the recent post by Baron Bodissey at the Gates of Vienna, and his words, as well as the comments by one of the European attendees were so profound, that I feel it neccesary to post (in part) them here. Long live the spirit of Oriana Fallaci. *L* KGS

“One of the greatest privileges of my life has been to meet Bat Ye’or at the Counterjihad Summit and sit next to her on the dais while she gave the keynote speech. She is small in stature and mild in voice and manner, but she speaks with authority, with a calm assurance born of a mastery of the facts.

With full knowledge of the horrifying future that awaits Europe — and the rest of the West — she maintains an equanimity which is an inspiration to us all.The Italian delegation to the Summit traveled there to give Ms. Ye’or the Oriana Award, in memory of the late Oriana Fallaci. Ms. Ye’or and Ms. Fallaci were friends and frequent correspondents.

Bat Ye’or helped her friend in her literary struggle against political Islam by providing her with material from her researches. One of the Italian ladies referred to Ms. Ye’or as “the Muse of Oriana”.
The presentation of the Oriana Award was the most moving moment of the conference.One of the European attendees at the Counterjihad Summit, angered by the insults hurled at our efforts from several corners of the blogosphere, wrote me this email earlier today:

Charles needs to block himself off from reality completely, to be able to uphold two contradicting things: his photo of Oriana Fallaci on the sidebar of his blog, while doing all in his power to bring down our conference (a conference so bad to him that he considers it a no-brainer that Oriana wouldn’t have attended, and considers it arrogance off-the-scale to even suggest the idea).

Who will tell him about how the memorial fund started by Oriana’s friends handed out the Oriana Award at the conference? To Bat Ye’or. A moment that caused a bit of a problem for a big boy like me, because my eyes were brimming with tears. When Bat told us how Oriana called her late at night when she was soon about to die, I had to bite my lips hard so that I wouldn’t start crying for real. I think so many of us could see ourselves in the desperation of Oriana in that moment.

More here.

8 Responses

  1. What has transpired in the blogosphere related to LGF, Vlaams Belang and Sweden Democrats, has increased my respect for Baron and KGS immensely.

    The question is fundamentally about sick ultra-egalitarian politically correct culture that we live in. The culture that is partly a product of Nazi holocaust, in other words, Hitler’s revenge.

    In this climate you can get dragged to court and sentenced by stating that Kosovo Albanians are responsible for the increase in drug trafficking in Sweden, which is a simple fact. In PC world you have to formulate the statement so that it doesn’t label the entire group by saying something like: “Those responsible for drug-smuggling are people with immigrant background” or if you are in Sweden, they are just “youths” or “young men”.

    But the conflict is also about irrational fear of anything related to nationalism. An ultra-PC leftist may state that all nationalism is racism. A right-winger that wants to follow PC etiquette will look for Nazis or closet-Nazis and if they are found, PC right winger will not have anything to do with those people any more.

    As a Finn I know that my country was allied with Nazi Germany in the Continuation War (1941-44) against the Soviet Union. And the United States was allied with Stalin’s Soviet Union and supplied them weapons. Both my grandfathers fought along with Nazi Germany against the Soviet Union as did many of the Finnish jews and muslim tatars. I am glad they did, because my country would not be independent without their efforts.

    Knowing this I find it despicable that someone blames Flemish nationalists solely for collaborating with the Nazis during the WWII.

    The alternative of fighting with Nazi Germany would have been an alliance with Soviet Union. This way Finland’s fate would probably have been very much like the one of Baltic states Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania that had to suffer nearly 50 years of Communism after the war. Had Communism lasted longer, Estonians would probably ceased to exist as a nation.

    Those who want to associate themselves with morally perfect people only, will find themselves very lonely in the long run. Charles in LGF still has his “anti-idiotarian” yes men and cheerleaders, but by looking at the comments section it makes me wonder if some of them have any brains at all.

  2. As a fellow blogger and Finn, I truly appreciate Vasarahammer’s kind words, as well as his take on the similarities between Finland and Flanders during WWII. I had relayed that very same message a few days ago to many in the Counterjihad movement.

    When one’s very own survival is in question, –in this case, national existence or the hope of one– people cannot be blamed to harshly for aligning themselves up with forces that, under normal circumstances, they would not have anything to do with.

    The Allied’s teamed up with the Soviet’s and Finland and Flanders with the National Socialists, with the first and foremost importance going to securing their own national survival. No doubt that there were individuals or collections of individuals that indeed sympathized with Nazi ideology, but main forces in both national groups in question…did not.

    What I see in some of the blogosphere is a unique form of “smugness” accomanied with a “holy than thou” attitude, not unlike an over zealous police officer that catches someone not coming to a complete stop, or going a couple of clicks over the speed limit.

    Yes the traffic infraction was real, and the officer well within his/her rights to issue the citation and to deliver a sermon, but it should end there. This total and complete vilification by those persons against the CVF, Atlas Shrugs, the GoV and by association the Tundra Tabloids, is completely out of line.

  3. Looks like Charles has buried Filip Dewinter interview and continues with his anti-jihad news gathering. This is a good sign.

    Dewinter interview, can, of course, lead to other conclusions like that he is a racist and homophobic.

    Being a father myself, I would make the same conclusions as Dewinter. I would not be happy if my son was gay or if my daughter married a Somali immigrant. I would, like Dewinter, examine my capability in raising a child and eventually accept their decisions if they make them happy and continue to support them if they end up not being happy in their lives. I would even accept the Somali as my son-in-law if he turned out to be a decent person.

    Meanwhile Baron has continued his quest in highlighting the good achievements of Counterjihad conference, which is also an excellent sign.

  4. There’s no way I can expect everyone to agree on everything. I would encourage everyone to keep their eye on the ball and remember who the enemy is.

  5. KGS, we met in Brussels.
    This entire discussion about VB and SD (Ekeroth) is makeing me ill. As I have already written in some German language forums, I believe there might be some anger and/or jealousy in the blogosphere for not having been invited to the Conference. I can’t imagine Charles et al. being so – well -stupid by dividing our movement. The enemy is smiling, collecting another billion $$ while we are screaming mea culpa for deeds – yes, awful deeds – that took place almost 2 generations ago. I refuse to be blamed for the 1930’s. I am alive now, and it’s my duty to protect myself, my daughter and my family and friends from the danger we are facing right NOW.
    That was my two cents worth.
    KGS, keep up the good work!

  6. ” I believe there might be some anger and/or jealousy in the blogosphere for not having been invited to the Conference.”

    We are all human, so this suggestion is not out of the question. However, I think it is far more likely that Charles genuinely believes that he is doing the right thing and that he has an interest in proving that he is not a racist.

    “I can’t imagine Charles et al. being so – well -stupid by dividing our movement. “

    I believe that he is, not stupid, but stubborn and a person who sees things in black and white terms.

    And you also have to understand American obsession with race and the connotations that are involved if anybody mentions the word “white”.

    Race doesn’t exist as a political concept in Europe the same way as it does in the US. However, the American popular culture has made us in Europe familiar with American obsession with race.

  7. Whether VB deserve to associated with the actions of the collabarationist of WWII is not the point (although they do it themselves by calling for an amnesty for such people), but comparing the Flemish Nationalists to WWII Finland is just inaccurate and completely unfair to Finland. Finland was throughout WWII a democratic and sovereign state. You can argue the toss over whether there is any real difference between “Co-belligerent” and “ally”, the US saw one whilst the UK didn’t – but that can be left to the historians.

    What is quite clear is that whilst the Finnish decision to allow German troops into the country was made from a position of geo-political weakness, and that there is a tradition of pro-German blood-and-soil nationalism in Finland (Lapua, IKL etc.), it was a decision made by a sovereign and democratic government. They did not cede any political control within Finland to Germany, and they did not serve at pleasure of the Nazis. The German army was a guest in Finland, a welcome one – yes, but a guest all the same.

    The situation in Belgium was one of occupation by the Germans. Belgium had a Government in Exile that maintained constitutional rule from London. Thousands of Belgium soldiers, airmen and sailors continued to fight the Nazis after their countries defeat in the British army, the RAF (including a squadron in the Battle of Britain) and the RN. Brussels was liberated by Belgium troops in Montgomery’s army. The govt-in-exile returned home and took control of the liberated country. Those who stayed behind might have been Flemish nationalists but they were also opportunists, and they took the opportunity afforded by a fascist power deposing a democracy to further their own ends. This happened as well in Norway, and the leader of the Norweigian Nazis gave the English language a name for such behaivour. It was of course, Quisling.

    I agree that this is all by-the-by, and I object to the VB of today not what happened 60 yrs ago, but they do draw attention to what their “grandfathers” did by their current policies. But the Finnish situation was completely different.

    Cheers,
    Toby.

  8. Hi Toby,

    Thanks for commenting and for the thoughtful response.

    You stated: “Whether VB deserve to associated with the actions of the collabarationist of WWII is not the point (although they do it themselves by calling for an amnesty for such people), but comparing the Flemish Nationalists to WWII Finland is just inaccurate and completely unfair to Finland. Finland was throughout WWII a democratic and sovereign state. You can argue the toss over whether there is any real difference between “Co-belligerent” and “ally”, the US saw one whilst the UK didn’t – but that can be left to the historians.

    The fact that Finland was democratic and sovereign is not the point, both Flemish Separatists (and walloons) and the Finnish gov’t looked to the Germans as a means for their own self interest. One sought its own independence, while the other to maintain its independence. The former being proven by history to have been foolish in believing that the Germans would have ever allowed for Flemish independence.

    That said, while the government did leave for Britain, the King Leopold in fact stayed in Brussels, enraging both the French and the British. During that time, the Daily Mirror referred to him as a “regal Judas”. King Leopold very much colluded with the Nazis, as well as other Walloons (French speakers) with hopes of maintaining Belgian sovereignty intact. The Belgian King was also held anti-Semitic opinions, though never condoned the purging of Jews from Europe.

    About the amnesty for collaborators being a “linchpin” of sorts to tie the VB with the pro-German sentiment of the Flemish separatist movement (though a great number of Walloons were as well), the reasoning behind the call for amnesty was due to the fact that for starters, most of Europe has already done such a thing, starting with the Allied forces. They did huge mass amnesties for Germans connected with the Nazi regime, when it suited their own self interests.

    As far as I can ascertain, the VB is not calling for amnesty for known war criminals, but for all the ninety year old Belgians who happened to serve the Reich for one reason or the other, and are not guilty for any war crime. I have to say that Francois Mitterrand and MANY OTHER socialists were indeed fascists and managed to be expunged from their dark past. Why not the VB if they are indeed making that effort known publically?

    Here we have both sides in the artificial state called Belgium, both fighting and collaborating with the Nazis, for different and the same reasons. What is also factually known, is that DeWinter’s father fought in the resistance against the Nazis. I doubt though that will change anyone’s mind about him though.

    You stated: “What is quite clear is that whilst the Finnish decision to allow German troops into the country was made from a position of geo-political weakness, and that there is a tradition of pro-German blood-and-soil nationalism in Finland (Lapua, IKL etc.), it was a decision made by a sovereign and democratic government. They did not cede any political control within Finland to Germany, and they did not serve at pleasure of the Nazis. The German army was a guest in Finland, a welcome one – yes, but a guest all the same.”

    An excellent point, and something that I totally am in agreement with. That view however, does not detract from my original assertion that Finland, as well as the other parties mentioned, used the German’s for their self interests. In the case of the Finns, when their self interests saw the Germans as a liability, they demanded that they leave. The scorched earth in Lappland as we know was a direct result from that sovereign decision.

    You stated: “The situation in Belgium was one of occupation by the Germans. Belgium had a Government in Exile that maintained constitutional rule from London. Thousands of Belgium soldiers, airmen and sailors continued to fight the Nazis after their countries defeat in the British army, the RAF (including a squadron in the Battle of Britain) and the RN. Brussels was liberated by Belgium troops in Montgomery’s army. The govt-in-exile returned home and took control of the liberated country. Those who stayed behind might have been Flemish nationalists but they were also opportunists, and they took the opportunity afforded by a fascist power deposing a democracy to further their own ends. This happened as well in Norway, and the leader of the Norweigian Nazis gave the English language a name for such behaivour. It was of course, Quisling.”

    True. But the King was collaborating with the Nazis as well as many Wallons and Flemish, while many of the same parties were fighting against Germans in the resistence. A very odd situation indeed, almost as odd, but not more odd as the situation in the Finnish fight against the Soviets, which saw Finnish Jewish soldiers (at times) fighting alongside German soldiers of the Werhmacht.

    Again, you mention only Flemish, be advised that the many Walloons as well as their Belgian King were in fact collaborating with the Nazis as well. Those loyal to the King, sought to gain favor from the Nazis in order to forstall any favoritism towards the Flemish seperatists. History as we know is full of alot of twists and turns, with the Belgian situation during WWII being no different.

    You end by stating: “I agree that this is all by-the-by, and I object to the VB of today not what happened 60 yrs ago, but they do draw attention to what their “grandfathers” did by their current policies. But the Finnish situation was completely different.”

    I disagree. By default, only the Flemish are being raked over the coals for what happened during WWII, not the Walloons and their collaborist, opportunist King. If they draw attention to what their “grandfathers did” during WWII, why doesn’t the fact come out that DeWinter’s father in fact fought in the resistence against the Nazis?

    I’ll tell you why, because the media is overwhelmingly Leftist, and support the appartichicks in power, and are williingly being used as a tool to discredit those who long for a state of their own. Does DeWinter add fuel to the fire…YES. At times he appears to be his own worst enemy, but there is alot of subterfuge going on in the media in its collusion with the Leftists in government, and that more than anything else explains the easy tarring and feathering of rightwing groups.

    I myself loathe anyone espousing rascist and anti-democratic sentiments, and if the overwhelming evidence, after a thoughtfull and honest vetting has been accomplished, then I will view the VB and SD in a differnt light. Right now however, what I have seen is a broad swipe of the brush by many who, no doubt hold good views and are revolted by extremism as myself, are influenced by what happened 2back then”, and are discounting the actions and statements of the VB …right now.

    I don’t recall such a vetting period for all the French socialists who colluded with the regime in Vichey France, especially in the case of F.Mitterand.

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